Elbow Reconstruction Surgery is also called Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) Reconstruction Surgery. It involves replacing a torn UCL with a tendon taken from the patient’s own body. This procedure is also called Tommy John Surgery.
Surgery is generally recommended when all non-surgical treatments fail to resolve elbow conditions and symptoms and persist after 6-12 months. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery repairs the UCL by reconstructing it with a tendon from an autograft or an allograft.
Elbow Reconstuction Surgery can also repair damaged ligaments, cartilage, or bone structures to address instability, stiffness, and loss of elbow joint function.
This procedure’s goal is to restore the range of motion to the elbow following injury, degenerative conditions, or an accident without pain.
Traumatic Injuries: Severe fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears in the elbow may require surgery to restore alignment, stability, and function. Traumatic elbow injuries can result from falls, direct blows, sports-related accidents, or motor vehicle collisions.
Chronic Instability: Recurrent dislocations of the elbow due to ligamentous laxity or previous injuries may need surgical stabilization to prevent further instability and recurrent dislocations.
Arthritis: Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the elbow. Elbow reconstruction, such as joint debridement, osteotomy, or arthroplasty (joint replacement), may be performed to alleviate symptoms and improve function in arthritic elbows.
Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Tears or ruptures of the tendons or ligaments surrounding the elbow, such as the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or common extensor tendon, may require surgical repair or reconstruction to restore stability and function.
Nerve Compression Syndromes: Conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome, which involve compression or entrapment of the nerves around the elbow, may be treated with surgical decompression or release procedures to relieve symptoms and restore nerve function.
Cartilage Defects: Damage or defects in the elbow’s articular cartilage, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions, may require surgery, such as microfracture, cartilage transplantation, or osteochondral grafting, to promote healing and preserve joint function.
Contractures: Elbow contractures, characterized by the loss of motion or stiffness in the joint due to scar tissue formation or prolonged immobilization, may be treated with surgical release procedures to improve the range of motion and functional outcomes.
It’s essential to consult with Dr. Pournaras to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.